Reykjavik Weather in May

Cool, bright spring days

May feels chilly and damp in Reykjavík, not like summer. The high is 8°C and the low is 3°C, with rain on 16 days. Clouds are common, but you'll get nearly 18 hours of daylight, so there's plenty of time to explore.

Walk between Hallgrímskirkja and the harbour, then duck into the National Museum of Iceland when showers roll through. The city's pools, such as Sundhöllin, are a cosy option after a wet day. Long, exposed hikes are less appealing in this cool, changeable weather; save them for a clearer spell.

May events and holidays

May Day is a public holiday in Iceland. Some shops and services may close or keep shorter hours, so don't count on every place being open.

The Reykjavík Arts Festival is held in late spring in some years, with performances and exhibitions around the city. It's biennial, so it won't be on every May. If you hate crowds, May is generally calmer than the busy summer months, though festival events can bring extra visitors.

Quieter than summer

May is a shoulder-season month: you'll usually find fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices than in July, Reykjavík's peak season. It's busier than the quietest winter months, but the long daylight makes sightseeing easier without the summer rush.

Travelling with kids? The Perlan museum is a handy rainy-day stop, with indoor exhibits about Iceland's nature. For a local meal, try lamb soup near Laugavegur, then take the short walk to the waterfront if the rain eases. Check May Day opening hours before setting out.